The Christadelphians
The Christadelphians are a body of Christians that place their beliefs wholly on the Bible. The name ‘Christadelphian’ means “brothers and sisters in Christ”. We have been known by this name for well over 100 years. Our aim is to live by faith in Jesus Christ, according to the teaching of his followers from the first century AD.
We believe that those who follow Jesus Christ and his apostles now, looking for strength and forgiveness from God, may confidently place their hope in Christ’s return to the earth, when he will bring eternal life to his people, and establish the long-promised Kingdom of God. We believe you can be sure of the Bible and the truth it contains.
What we believe
We believe that the Bible is God’s word and the only message from him. It teaches us about God and his son Jesus Christ, and his purpose for the world.
Some of the key Bible teachings are:
- There is only one God – the Father and creator of the world. The Holy spirit is God’s power.
- Jesus is the Son of God, and a human being, through his mother Mary.
- He died without sinning, and God raised him from the dead to an immortal life. By living a sinless life Jesus has given mankind the opportunity to be saved, if we follow him.
- Jesus is currently in Heaven, at God’s right hand. He will one day return.
- When Jesus returns he will rule the earth and give immortality to those who have tried to follow him and obey God.
- Man is mortal, having no existence when dead. The reward for the faithful is eternal life on earth after Jesus’ return.
- Baptism is essential to gain this eternal life.
If you would like more information about our beliefs then why not visit TheChristadelphians.org.uk or Introducing the Christadelphians.
Alternatively, if you would like to see an impartial view on our beliefs, try the BBC Religion Website.
Glossary
Christadelphian
This is a Greek word which we find in the New Testament and means “brethren in Christ”. Christ uses this expression to refer to those who have chosen to follow him. The word brethren, in this case, is usually regarded as referring to both sexes. Christadelphians will commonly refer to each other as “brother” or “sister”.
Ecclesia
This is a Greek word which we find in the New Testament and means “assembly” or “called out”. It is often translated as the word “church” in many versions of the Bible but the word refers more to the people than a building (in fact many Christadelphian ecclesias don’t have their own buildings). Just as in the first century, an ecclesia can range from being a handful of people to several hundred.
The organisation, lifestyle and practices of the Christadelphians follow as closely as possible the way the Christian community was formed in the first century. We do not have a hierarchy of rulers. Each member is equal in the sight of God, and there is no source of authority other than the Bible.
Christadelphian ecclesias can be found all over the world. Each group is responsible for its own decisions and organises its own affairs. There is no central authority. The only link between ecclesias is a common belief in an agreed list of essential teachings.